Creating new works involves great risks and even greater amounts of trust. A Team Lead fosters their ideas through the creative expression of the ensemble. In today's spotlight, Umbrella Collective focuses on the ensemble. We asked a member from each cast to provide their perspective on the process from the new work in which they're collaborating.

Night of New Works is less than a week away. We are excited to reveal what's been brewing in the rehearsal room. Have you reserved your tickets?

Kat Purcell from the Ensemble of Spook

What about this piece and/or process is important and/or exciting to you?As a white artist, I am deeply humbled to be trusted and invited into the rehearsal room and on stage for this project. I'm excited to support the work of Ricardo, Suzanne, and the ensemble, and to learn and grow from that process.

What are you most excited about for the public works-in-progress showings?I am excited to see in what way Umbrella Collective formats feedback sessions, to see how that shapes audience response and what it can accomplish for both audience and artists.

How would you describe SPOOK in three words?Arresting, Sensory, Contemplative

KJER WHITING From the Ensemble of Frigid

What about this piece and/or process is important and/or exciting to you?I think it's exciting to be able to approach the ages old concept of frigidity through a modern lens. The concept has barely changed in the cultural eye, while the science of the day has evolved throughout time. Putting a queer spin on it is important to me personally.

What are you most excited about for the public works-in-progress showings?I am most excited to see how the people who choose to come explore these new works with us will critique the three projects.These are not completed scripts, and the input will be extremely beneficial to the creators.

How would you describe FRIGID in three words?Average American experience.

ERIKA KUHN From the Ensemble of FOILED

What about this piece and/or process is important and/or exciting to you?This devising process has been super exciting because it's combined a beautiful medley of writing, improvisation, and honest conversations between the creators. I find devising produces stunningly vulnerable and earnest art; everyone has brought so much of themselves to make this story, and I'm so excited to share it.

What are you most excited about for the public works-in-progress showings?I'm most excited to see what gets people reacting, or what makes people feel most. From the inside it's easy to miss what moments are the funniest, or most tender; sharing these pieces shows us what works.

How would you describe FOILED in three words?Heartfelt, refreshing, paranoid.